The Health and Community Services Union claims the man was waiting for seven hours for treatment before suffering cardiac arrest.

A letter to hospital staff from the Tasmanian Health Service described the incident as an "extremely difficult time for our hospital".

Labor health spokesperson Sarah Lovell told The Examiner the incident was a symptom of bed shortages and claimed health funding was being diverted to other areas.

Mr Ferguson said it was wrong for the opposition to comment on the matter before all the facts were known.

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"Once again, Labor is playing insensitive politics with the tragic death of an elderly Tasmanian," he said.

"Labor knows that the government cannot discuss the individual care details of any patient, especially given the events are subject to both internal and coroner investigations.

"I applaud the staff working so hard during such a busy time. We are supporting them with more staff and all available beds open."

HACSU Tasmania assistant secretary Robbie Moore said the incident "shows another example of the health system in crisis", and that hospital staff were reporting to the union that they were worn out and stressed.

Tasmania Liberal Senator Richard Colbeck said it was an "absolutely tragic incident", but he did not have enough detail to comment further.

"Having had a quick conversation to the Health Minister yesterday about it, I know that the state government are investigating that," he said.